The Justice Department has accused popular social media app TikTok of illegally collecting children’s data and allowing users under the age of 13 to create accounts. The app, known for its short-form videos, has faced criticism in the past for its data privacy practices, and this latest revelation has caught the attention of federal authorities.
The Justice Department’s investigation into TikTok revealed a pattern of the app collecting personal information from children without their parents’ consent. This includes data such as names, emails, phone numbers, and even geolocation information. It was also found that TikTok knowingly allowed users under the age of 13 to create accounts, in violation of federal regulations aimed at protecting children’s privacy online.
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced regulatory scrutiny in recent years over concerns about its data practices and potential ties to the Chinese government. The app has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it takes user privacy and security seriously. However, these latest allegations raise new questions about the app’s compliance with U.S. data privacy laws.
The Justice Department’s findings have sparked outrage among privacy advocates and parents who are concerned about the safety of children online. They are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement actions to hold companies like TikTok accountable for their data practices. With the growing popularity of apps like TikTok among younger users, ensuring the protection of children’s privacy and safety online has become a top priority for regulators and lawmakers.
TikTok has yet to respond to the Justice Department’s allegations, but the app’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds. In the meantime, parents are urged to monitor their children’s online activity and consider alternative platforms with stronger data privacy protections.
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